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Zamani R, Rezaei N. Immune-scoring in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a scoping review. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:1009-1017. [PMID: 37750738 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2262140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) have an increasing incidence, high recurrence, and an overall unfavorable prognosis despite numerous treatment options. The distinct immune landscape of HNSCC suggests a potential for immune-related biomarkers to aid classification and treatment planning. AREAS COVERED Immunoscore, a multiplex measure of tumor-infiltrating immune cells, is currently approved in colorectal carcinoma and is under investigation in various other cancer types. Recent studies have tried to implement the immunoscore and other novel immune cell-based scoring systems in HNSCC as predictors of survival. This study provides an overview of tumor-infiltrating immune cells and their prognostic significance, as well as a comparative summary of studies introducing an immunoscore in HNSCC. EXPERT OPINION With sufficient insight of the current literature, future studies could lead to the definition and validation of a new immune-based classification system for HNSCC. Such a classification strategy could be the basis for patient selection and, thus, optimize treatment outcomes and reduce unwanted complications. The heterogeneity of HNSCC subtypes, as well as the intratumoral variability of immune infiltrates, should be accounted for in the immunoscore.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raha Zamani
- Students' Scientific Research Center (SSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
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2
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Starska-Kowarska K. Role of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells in Head and Neck Cancer-Regulatory Mechanisms of Tumorigenic and Immune Activity, Chemotherapy Resistance, and Therapeutic Benefits of Stromal Cell-Based Pharmacological Strategies. Cells 2024; 13:1270. [PMID: 39120301 PMCID: PMC11311692 DOI: 10.3390/cells13151270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) entails a heterogenous neoplastic disease that arises from the mucosal epithelium of the upper respiratory system and the gastrointestinal tract. It is characterized by high morbidity and mortality, being the eighth most common cancer worldwide. It is believed that the mesenchymal/stem stromal cells (MSCs) present in the tumour milieu play a key role in the modulation of tumour initiation, development and patient outcomes; they also influence the resistance to cisplatin-based chemotherapy, the gold standard for advanced HNC. MSCs are multipotent, heterogeneous and mobile cells. Although no MSC-specific markers exist, they can be recognized based on several others, such as CD73, CD90 and CD105, while lacking the presence of CD45, CD34, CD14 or CD11b, CD79α, or CD19 and HLA-DR antigens; they share phenotypic similarity with stromal cells and their capacity to differentiate into other cell types. In the tumour niche, MSC populations are characterized by cell quiescence, self-renewal capacity, low reactive oxygen species production and the acquisition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition properties. They may play a key role in the process of acquiring drug resistance and thus in treatment failure. The present narrative review examines the links between MSCs and HNC, as well as the different mechanisms involved in the development of resistance to current chemo-radiotherapies in HNC. It also examines the possibilities of pharmacological targeting of stemness-related chemoresistance in HNSCC. It describes promising new strategies to optimize chemoradiotherapy, with the potential to personalize patient treatment approaches, and highlights future therapeutic perspectives in HNC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Starska-Kowarska
- Department of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland; ; Tel.: +48-42-2725237
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, EnelMed Center Expert, Lodz, Drewnowska 58, 91-001 Lodz, Poland
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3
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Lu Y, Xiang Z, Wang W, Yun B, Yi C, Zhang M, Xie N, Wang C, Zhuang Z. Establishment and validation of a tumor-infiltrating γδT cell related prognostic gene signature in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:112054. [PMID: 38608477 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
γδT cells are unconventional T cells only accounting for 1-5 % of circulating T lymphocytes. Their potent anti-tumor capability has been evidenced by accumulating studies. However, the prognostic value of γδT cells remains not well documented in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In this study, we utilized the TCGA HNSCC database to evaluate the infiltration of γδT cells and the association between γδT cells and clinicopathological factors by related gene signature, which were then validated by a total of 100 collected tumor samples from HNSCC patient cohort. Heterogeneity and functional characteristics of distinct infiltrating γδT cell profiles in HNSCC were then investigated based on the scRNA-seq data from the GEO database. We found higher γδT cell gene signature score was significantly associated with longer survival. Cox regression models showed that γδT cell gene signature could serve as an independent prognostic indicator for HNSCC patients. A high level of γδT cell-related gene signature was positively correlated with the infiltration of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and immune score. Through scRNA-seq analysis, we identified that γδ+ Trm cells and γδ+ CTL cells possessed anti-tumor and immunoregulatory properties. Notably, we found a significant association between the presence of these cells and improved survival outcomes. In our cell-cell communication analyses, we identified that γδT cells have the potential to eliminate tumor cells through the secretion of interferon-gamma and granzyme. Collectively, the infiltration of γδT cells may serve as a promising prognostic tool, prompting the consideration of treatment options for patients with HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwen Lu
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China
| | - Zhuqin Xiang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China
| | - Wenjin Wang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China
| | - Bokai Yun
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China
| | - Chen Yi
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China
| | - Nan Xie
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China
| | - Cheng Wang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China.
| | - Zehang Zhuang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guangzhou 510080, China; Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510055, China.
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4
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Yun J, Saddawi-Konefka R, Goldenson B, Al-Msari R, Bernareggi D, Thangaraj JL, Tang S, Patel SH, Luna SM, Gutkind JS, Kaufman D. CHMP2A regulates broad immune cell-mediated antitumor activity in an immunocompetent in vivo head and neck squamous cell carcinoma model. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e007187. [PMID: 38702144 PMCID: PMC11086353 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells are key effector cells of antitumor immunity. However, tumors can acquire resistance programs to escape NK cell-mediated immunosurveillance. Identifying mechanisms that mediate this resistance enables us to define approaches to improve immune-mediate antitumor activity. In previous studies from our group, a genome-wide CRISPR-Cas9 screen identified Charged Multivesicular Body Protein 2A (CHMP2A) as a novel mechanism that mediates tumor intrinsic resistance to NK cell activity. METHODS Here, we use an immunocompetent mouse model to demonstrate that CHMP2A serves as a targetable regulator of not only NK cell-mediated immunity but also other immune cell populations. Using the recently characterized murine 4MOSC model system, a syngeneic, tobacco-signature murine head and neck squamous cell carcinoma model, we deleted mCHMP2A using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock-out (KO), following orthotopic transplantation into immunocompetent hosts. RESULTS We found that mCHMP2A KO in 4MOSC1 cells leads to more potent NK-mediated tumor cell killing in vitro in these tumor cells. Moreover, following orthotopic transplantation, KO of mCHMP2A in 4MOSC1 cells, but not the more immune-resistant 4MOSC2 cells enables both T cells and NK cells to better mediate antitumor activity compared with wild type (WT) tumors. However, there was no difference in tumor development between WT and mCHMP2A KO 4MOSC1 or 4MOSC2 tumors when implanted in immunodeficient mice. Mechanistically, we find that mCHMP2A KO 4MOSC1 tumors transplanted into the immunocompetent mice had significantly increased CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells. NK cell, as well as fewer myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC). CONCLUSIONS Together, these studies demonstrate that CHMP2A is a targetable inhibitor of cellular antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyoung Yun
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Dept. of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Sanford Stem Cell Institute, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Robert Saddawi-Konefka
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Dept. of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Benjamin Goldenson
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Dept. of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Sanford Stem Cell Institute, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Riyam Al-Msari
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Davide Bernareggi
- Dept. of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Jaya L Thangaraj
- Dept. of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Sanford Stem Cell Institute, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Shiqi Tang
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Sonam H Patel
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Sarah M Luna
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - J Silvio Gutkind
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Dept. of Pharmacology, University of California School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Dan Kaufman
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Dept. of Medicine, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Sanford Stem Cell Institute, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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Wang H, Guan Z, Zheng L. Single-cell RNA sequencing explores the evolution of the ecosystem from leukoplakia to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8097. [PMID: 38582791 PMCID: PMC10998855 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58978-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
It has been found that progression from leukoplakia to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a long-term process that may involve changes in the multicellular ecosystem. We acquired scRNA-seq samples information from gene expression omnibus and UCSC Xena database. The BEAM function was used to construct the pseudotime trajectory and analyze the differentially expressed genes in different branches. We used the ssGSEA method to explore the correlation between each cell subgroup and survival time, and obtained the cell subgroup related to prognosis. During the progression from leukoplakia to HNSCC, we found several prognostic cell subgroups, such as AURKB + epithelial cells, SFRP1 + fibroblasts, SLC7A8 + macrophages, FCER1A + CD1C + dendritic cells, and TRGC2 + NK/T cells. All cell subgroups had two different fates, one tending to cell proliferation, migration, and enhancement of angiogenesis capacity, and the other tending to inflammatory immune response, leukocyte chemotaxis, and T cell activation. Tumor-promoting genes such as CD163 and CD209 were highly expressed in the myeloid cells, and depletion marker genes such as TIGIT, LAG3 were highly expressed in NK/T cells. Our study may provide a reference for the molecular mechanism of HNSCC and theoretical basis for the development of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibin Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Zhenjie Guan
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Lian Zheng
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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Yang F, Yuan C, Chen F, Qin ZS, Schmitt NC, Lesinski GB, Saba NF, Teng Y. Combined IL6 and CCR2 blockade potentiates antitumor activity of NK cells in HPV-negative head and neck cancer. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:76. [PMID: 38468260 PMCID: PMC10929116 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-03002-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While T cell-activating immunotherapies against recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have shown impressive results in clinical trials, they are often ineffective in the majority of patients. NK cells are potential targets for immunotherapeutic intervention; however, the setback in monalizumab-based therapy in HNSCC highlights the need for an alternative treatment to enhance their antitumor activity. METHODS Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and TCGA HNSCC datasets were used to identify key molecular alterations in NK cells. Representative HPV-positive ( +) and HPV-negative ( -) HNSCC cell lines and orthotopic mouse models were used to validate the bioinformatic findings. Changes in immune cells were examined by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence. RESULTS Through integration of scRNA-seq data with TCGA data, we found that the impact of IL6/IL6R and CCL2/CCR2 signaling pathways on evasion of immune attack by NK cells is more pronounced in the HPV - HNSCC cohort compared to the HPV + HNSCC cohort. In orthotopic mouse models, blocking IL6 with a neutralizing antibody suppressed HPV - but not HPV + tumors, which was accompanied by increased tumor infiltration and proliferation of CD161+ NK cells. Notably, combining the CCR2 chemokine receptor antagonist RS504393 with IL6 blockade resulted in a more pronounced antitumor effect that was associated with more activated intratumoral NK cells in HPV - HNSCC compared to either agent alone. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that dual blockade of IL6 and CCR2 pathways effectively enhances the antitumor activity of NK cells in HPV-negative HNSCC, providing a novel strategy for treating this type of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yang
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, 201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Chenyang Yuan
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rolling School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Fanghui Chen
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, 201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Zhaohui S Qin
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rolling School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Nicole C Schmitt
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Gregory B Lesinski
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, 201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Nabil F Saba
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, 201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Yong Teng
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, 201 Dowman Dr, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
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7
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Saulters EL, Kennedy PT, Carter RJ, Alsufyani A, Jones TM, Woolley JF, Dahal LN. Differential Regulation of the STING Pathway in Human Papillomavirus-Positive and -Negative Head and Neck Cancers. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:118-133. [PMID: 38147007 PMCID: PMC10793589 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinomas, which arise from the cells that line the mucosal surfaces of the head and neck, represent the most common type of head and neck cancers (HNSCC). Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been strongly associated with the development of oropharyngeal cancers, which are cancers that occur in the back of the throat, including the tonsils and base of the tongue. HNSCCs with and without HPV infection have distinct pathology, with HPV-positive patients having higher levels of immune infiltration, activation in the tumor microenvironment and better response to radiation and chemotherapy. It is, however, unclear whether HPV infection in HNSCCs has the potential to activate innate-immune sensing pathways and if these cancers possess intrinsic immunogenicity associated with HPV infection. Here we investigate the innate immune stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway and immune responses to STING activation in HNSCCs and uncover fundamental differences in the regulation of this pathway in cell lines versus primary human clinical specimens. We show that while STING is differentially expressed in HPV-positive and -negative HNSCC cell lines, they exhibit a gross functional defect in signaling through this pathway. However, STING activation in immune cell populations generated immune signatures predicted to elicit useful tumoricidal mechanisms. In contrast, IHC analysis of human tissue microarrays revealed enhanced STING expression in HPV-related tumors and high intratumoral expression of STING correlated with increased survival. SIGNIFICANCE STING is an important innate immune sensor of cytosolic DNA, inducing essential antiviral and antitumoral responses. This research shows that STING expression is enhanced in HPV-positive HNSCC patient tissue, with high intratumoral STING expression correlating with increased survival. In addition, STING activation in immune cell populations augmented antitumoral effects against HNSCCs, suggesting patients may benefit from the use of STING agonists in combination with traditional therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L. Saulters
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Paul T. Kennedy
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel J. Carter
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Abdullah Alsufyani
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Terence M. Jones
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Cancer Medicine, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - John F. Woolley
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lekh N. Dahal
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Constantin M, Chifiriuc MC, Mihaescu G, Vrancianu CO, Dobre EG, Cristian RE, Bleotu C, Bertesteanu SV, Grigore R, Serban B, Cirstoiu C. Implications of oral dysbiosis and HPV infection in head and neck cancer: from molecular and cellular mechanisms to early diagnosis and therapy. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1273516. [PMID: 38179168 PMCID: PMC10765588 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1273516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common type of cancer, with more than half a million new cases annually. This review focuses on the role of oral dysbiosis and HPV infection in HNCs, presenting the involved taxons, molecular effectors and pathways, as well as the HPV-associated particularities of genetic and epigenetic changes and of the tumor microenvironment occurred in different stages of tumor development. Oral dysbiosis is associated with the evolution of HNCs, through multiple mechanisms such as inflammation, genotoxins release, modulation of the innate and acquired immune response, carcinogens and anticarcinogens production, generation of oxidative stress, induction of mutations. Thus, novel microbiome-derived biomarkers and interventions could significantly contribute to achieving the desideratum of personalized management of oncologic patients, regarding both early diagnosis and treatment. The results reported by different studies are not always congruent regarding the variations in the abundance of different taxons in HNCs. However, there is a consistent reporting of a higher abundance of Gram-negative species such as Fusobacterium, Leptotrichia, Treponema, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella, Bacteroidetes, Haemophilus, Veillonella, Pseudomonas, Enterobacterales, which are probably responsible of chronic inflammation and modulation of tumor microenvironment. Candida albicans is the dominant fungi found in oral carcinoma being also associated with shorter survival rate. Specific microbial signatures (e.g., F. nucleatum, Bacteroidetes and Peptostreptococcus) have been associated with later stages and larger tumor, suggesting their potential to be used as biomarkers for tumor stratification and prognosis. On the other hand, increased abundance of Corynebacterium, Kingella, Abiotrophia is associated with a reduced risk of HNC. Microbiome could also provide biomarkers for differentiating between oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal cancers as well as between HPV-positive and HPV-negative tumors. Ongoing clinical trials aim to validate non-invasive tests for microbiome-derived biomarkers detection in oral and throat cancers, especially within high-risk populations. Oro-pharyngeal dysbiosis could also impact the HNCs therapy and associated side-effects of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. HPV-positive tumors harbor fewer mutations, as well as different DNA methylation pattern and tumor microenvironment. Therefore, elucidation of the molecular mechanisms by which oral microbiota and HPV infection influence the HNC initiation and progression, screening for HPV infection and vaccination against HPV, adopting a good oral hygiene, and preventing oral dysbiosis are important tools for advancing in the battle with this public health global challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian Constantin
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biology of Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, ICUB, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, ICUB, Bucharest, Romania
- Microbiology Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Life, Medical and Agricultural Sciences, Biological Sciences Section, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Grigore Mihaescu
- Microbiology Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corneliu Ovidiu Vrancianu
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, ICUB, Bucharest, Romania
- Microbiology Immunology Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- DANUBIUS Department, National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena-Georgiana Dobre
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, ICUB, Bucharest, Romania
- Immunology Department, “Victor Babes” National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Roxana-Elena Cristian
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, ICUB, Bucharest, Romania
- DANUBIUS Department, National Institute of Research and Development for Biological Sciences, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Coralia Bleotu
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, ICUB, Bucharest, Romania
- Cellular and Molecular Pathology Department, Ştefan S. Nicolau Institute of Virology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Serban Vifor Bertesteanu
- Coltea Clinical Hospital, ENT, Head & Neck Surgery Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raluca Grigore
- Coltea Clinical Hospital, ENT, Head & Neck Surgery Department, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bogdan Serban
- University Emergency Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Catalin Cirstoiu
- University Emergency Hospital, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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Radermacher A, Fehrenz M, Bellin T, Claßen C, Möller L, Struckmeier AK, Wagner M, Wartenberg P, Moratin J, Freudlsperger C, Freier K, Horn D. HLA-E and Its Soluble Form as Indicators of a Sex-Specific Immune Response in Patients with Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16699. [PMID: 38069020 PMCID: PMC10706335 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The human leukocyte antigene E (HLA-E) is associated with tumorigenesis in various cancers. Immunoncology along with sex-specific aspects in cancer therapy are now in scientific focus. Therefore, immunohistochemical HLA-E expression was retrospectively analysed in a cohort of oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) after surgical therapy. Then, serum concentration of HLA-E (sHLA-E) was quantified in a prospective cohort by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. High HLA-E expression was associated with advanced UICC stage (Spearman's correlation: p = 0.002) and worse survival (Cox-regression: progression-free survival: hazard ratio (HR) 3.129, confidence range (CI) 1.443-6.787, p = 0.004; overall survival: HR 2.328, CI 1.071-5.060, p = 0.033). The sHLA-E concentration was significantly higher in the control group than in tumor group (Mann-Whitney U-test (MW-U): p = 0.021). Within the tumor group, women showed significantly higher sHLA-E levels than men (MW-U: p = 0.049). A closer look at the tumor group and the control group showed that gender-specific differences exist: while no differences in sHLA-E concentration were detectable between female subjects of tumor group and control group (MW-U: p = 0.916), male subjects of tumor group had a significantly lower sHLA-E concentration compared to those of control group (MW-U: p = 0.001). In summary, our results provide evidence for sex-specific differences in immune responses in OSCC. This fact should be considered regarding future immunotherapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Radermacher
- Dentistry, Stomatology and Orthodontics, Chair of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Michael Fehrenz
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Tamara Bellin
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Carolina Claßen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Laura Möller
- Dentistry, Stomatology and Orthodontics, Chair of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Ann-Kristin Struckmeier
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mathias Wagner
- Department of Pathology, Saarland University Medical Center, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Philipp Wartenberg
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Center for Molecular Signaling (PZMS), Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Julius Moratin
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Freudlsperger
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kolja Freier
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Horn
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Germany
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10
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Ayuso JM, Farooqui M, Virumbrales-Muñoz M, Denecke K, Rehman S, Schmitz R, Guerrero JF, Sanchez-de-Diego C, Campo SA, Maly EM, Forsberg MH, Kerr SC, Striker R, Sherer NM, Harari PM, Capitini CM, Skala MC, Beebe DJ. Microphysiological model reveals the promise of memory-like natural killer cell immunotherapy for HIV ± cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6681. [PMID: 37865647 PMCID: PMC10590421 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41625-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies are exploring the use of cell adoptive therapies to treat hematological malignancies as well as solid tumors. However, there are numerous factors that dampen the immune response, including viruses like human immunodeficiency virus. In this study, we leverage human-derived microphysiological models to reverse-engineer the HIV-immune system interaction and evaluate the potential of memory-like natural killer cells for HIV+ head and neck cancer, one of the most common tumors in patients living with human immunodeficiency virus. Here, we evaluate multiple aspects of the memory-like natural killer cell response in human-derived bioengineered environments, including immune cell extravasation, tumor penetration, tumor killing, T cell dependence, virus suppression, and compatibility with retroviral medication. Overall, these results suggest that memory-like natural killer cells are capable of operating without T cell assistance and could simultaneously destroy head and neck cancer cells as well as reduce viral latency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M Ayuso
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Mehtab Farooqui
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - María Virumbrales-Muñoz
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Katheryn Denecke
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Shujah Rehman
- Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 N Orchard street, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Rebecca Schmitz
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 N Orchard street, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jorge F Guerrero
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Cristina Sanchez-de-Diego
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sara Abizanda Campo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Maly
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 N Orchard street, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Matthew H Forsberg
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, USA
| | - Sheena C Kerr
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Robert Striker
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, USA
- Vivent Health, Milwaukee, USA
| | - Nathan M Sherer
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Paul M Harari
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Christian M Capitini
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, USA
| | - Melissa C Skala
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 N Orchard street, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David J Beebe
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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11
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Lee J, Keam B, Park HR, Park JE, Kim S, Kim M, Kim TM, Kim DW, Heo DS. Monalizumab efficacy correlates with HLA-E surface expression and NK cell activity in head and neck squamous carcinoma cell lines. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:5705-5715. [PMID: 36547689 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04532-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE NKG2A, an inhibitory receptor expressed on NK cells and T cells, leads to immune evasion by binding to HLA-E expressed on cancer cells. Here, we investigated the relationship between HLA-E surface expression on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines and the efficacy of monalizumab, an NKG2A inhibitor, in promoting NK cell activity. METHODS Six HNSCC cell lines were used as target cells. After exposure to IFN- γ, HLA-E surface expression on HNSCC cell lines was measured by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors and isolated NK cells were used as effector cells. NK cells were stimulated by treatment with IL-2 and IL-15 for 5 days, and NK cell-induced cytotoxicity was analyzed by CD107a degranulation and 51Cr release assays. RESULTS We confirmed that HLA-E expression was increased by IFN-γ secreted by NK cells and that HLA-E expression was different for each cell line upon exposure to IFN-γ. Cell lines with high HLA-E expression showed stronger inhibition of NK cell cytotoxicity, and efficacy of monalizumab was high. Combination with cetuximab increased the efficacy of monalizumab. In addition, stimulation of isolated NK cells with IL-2 and IL-15 increased the efficacy of monalizumab, even in the HLA-E low groups. CONCLUSION Monalizumab efficacy was correlated with HLA-E surface expression and was enhanced when NK cell activity was increased by cetuximab or cytokines. These results suggest that monalizumab may be potent against HLA-E-positive tumors and that monalizumab efficacy could be improved by promoting NK cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongjae Lee
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Major in Innovative Medical Science, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bhumsuk Keam
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ha-Ram Park
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Eun Park
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyeon Kim
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Major in Innovative Medical Science, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Miso Kim
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Min Kim
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Wan Kim
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Major in Innovative Medical Science, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Seog Heo
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
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12
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Starska-Kowarska K. Role of Vitamin D in Head and Neck Cancer-Immune Function, Anti-Tumour Effect, and Its Impact on Patient Prognosis. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15112592. [PMID: 37299554 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) describes a heterogeneous group of human neoplasms of the head and neck with high rates of morbidity and mortality, constituting about 3% of all cancers and ~1.5% of all cancer deaths. HNSCC constituted the seventh most prevalent human malignancy and the most common human cancer in the world in 2020, according to multi-population observations conducted by the GLOBOCAN group. Since approximately 60-70% of patients present with stage III/IV neoplastic disease, HNSCC is still one of the leading causes of death in cancer patients worldwide, with an overall survival rate that is too low, not exceeding 40-60% of these patients. Despite the application of newer surgical techniques and the implementation of modern combined oncological treatment, the disease often follows a fatal course due to frequent nodal metastases and local neoplastic recurrences. The role of micronutrients in the initiation, development, and progression of HNSCC has been the subject of considerable research. Of particular interest has been vitamin D, the pleiotropic biologically active fat-soluble family of secosteroids (vitamin-D-like steroids), which constitutes a key regulator of bone, calcium, and phosphate homeostasis, as well as carcinogenesis and the further development of various neoplasms. Considerable evidence suggests that vitamin D plays a key role in cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, immunity, and cellular metabolism. A number of basic science, clinical, and epidemiological studies indicate that vitamin D has multidirectional biological effects and influences anti-cancer intracellular mechanisms and cancer risk, and that vitamin D dietary supplements have various prophylactic benefits. In the 20th century, it was reported that vitamin D may play various roles in the protection and regulation of normal cellular phenotypes and in cancer prevention and adjunctive therapy in various human neoplasms, including HNSCC, by regulating a number of intracellular mechanisms, including control of tumour cell expansion and differentiation, apoptosis, intercellular interactions, angio- and lymphogenesis, immune function, and tumour invasion. These regulatory properties mainly occur indirectly via epigenetic and transcriptional changes regulating the function of transcription factors, chromatin modifiers, non-coding RNA (ncRNAs), and microRNAs (miRs) through protein-protein interactions and signalling pathways. In this way, calcitriol enhances intercellular communication in cancer biology, restores the connection with the extracellular matrix, and promotes the epithelial phenotype; it thus counteracts the tumour-associated detachment from the extracellular matrix and inhibits the formation of metastases. Furthermore, the confirmation that the vitamin D receptor (VDR) is present in many human tissues confirmed the physiopathological significance of vitamin D in various human tumours. Recent studies indicate quantitative associations between exposure to vitamin D and the incidence of HNC, i.e., cancer risk assessment included circulating calcidiol plasma/serum concentrations, vitamin D intake, the presence of the VDR gene polymorphism, and genes involved in the vitamin D metabolism pathway. Moreover, the chemopreventive efficacy of vitamin D in precancerous lesions of the head and neck and their role as predictors of mortality, survival, and recurrence of head and neck cancer are also widely discussed. As such, it may be considered a promising potential anti-cancer agent for developing innovative methods of targeted therapy. The proposed review discusses in detail the mechanisms regulating the relationship between vitamin D and HNSCC. It also provides an overview of the current literature, including key opinion-forming systematic reviews as well as epidemiological, prospective, longitudinal, cross-sectional, and interventional studies based on in vitro and animal models of HNSCC, all of which are accessible via the PubMed/Medline/EMBASE/Cochrane Library databases. This article presents the data in line with increasing clinical credibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Starska-Kowarska
- Department of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, EnelMed Center Expert, Lodz, Drewnowska 58, 91-001 Lodz, Poland
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13
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Starska-Kowarska K. The Role of Different Immunocompetent Cell Populations in the Pathogenesis of Head and Neck Cancer-Regulatory Mechanisms of Pro- and Anti-Cancer Activity and Their Impact on Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1642. [PMID: 36980527 PMCID: PMC10046400 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most aggressive and heterogeneous groups of human neoplasms. HNSCC is characterized by high morbidity, accounting for 3% of all cancers, and high mortality with ~1.5% of all cancer deaths. It was the most common cancer worldwide in 2020, according to the latest GLOBOCAN data, representing the seventh most prevalent human malignancy. Despite great advances in surgical techniques and the application of modern combinations and cytotoxic therapies, HNSCC remains a leading cause of death worldwide with a low overall survival rate not exceeding 40-60% of the patient population. The most common causes of death in patients are its frequent nodal metastases and local neoplastic recurrences, as well as the relatively low response to treatment and severe drug resistance. Much evidence suggests that the tumour microenvironment (TME), tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and circulating various subpopulations of immunocompetent cells, such regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Tregs), cytotoxic CD3+CD8+ T cells (CTLs) and CD3+CD4+ T helper type 1/2/9/17 (Th1/Th2/Th9/Th17) lymphocytes, T follicular helper cells (Tfh) and CD56dim/CD16bright activated natural killer cells (NK), carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumour-associated neutrophils (N1/N2 TANs), as well as tumour-associated macrophages (M1/M2 phenotype TAMs) can affect initiation, progression and spread of HNSCC and determine the response to immunotherapy. Rapid advances in the field of immuno-oncology and the constantly growing knowledge of the immunosuppressive mechanisms and effects of tumour cancer have allowed for the use of effective and personalized immunotherapy as a first-line therapeutic procedure or an essential component of a combination therapy for primary, relapsed and metastatic HNSCC. This review presents the latest reports and molecular studies regarding the anti-tumour role of selected subpopulations of immunocompetent cells in the pathogenesis of HNSCC, including HPV+ve (HPV+) and HPV-ve (HPV-) tumours. The article focuses on the crucial regulatory mechanisms of pro- and anti-tumour activity, key genetic or epigenetic changes that favour tumour immune escape, and the strategies that the tumour employs to avoid recognition by immunocompetent cells, as well as resistance mechanisms to T and NK cell-based immunotherapy in HNSCC. The present review also provides an overview of the pre- and clinical early trials (I/II phase) and phase-III clinical trials published in this arena, which highlight the unprecedented effectiveness and limitations of immunotherapy in HNSCC, and the emerging issues facing the field of HNSCC immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Starska-Kowarska
- Department of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland; ; Tel.: +48-604-541-412
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, EnelMed Center Expert, Drewnowska 58, 91-001 Lodz, Poland
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14
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Piccinelli S, Romee R, Shapiro RM. The natural killer cell immunotherapy platform: an overview of the landscape of clinical trials in liquid and solid tumors. Semin Hematol 2023; 60:42-51. [PMID: 37080710 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
The translation of natural killer (NK) cells to the treatment of malignant disease has made significant progress in the last few decades. With a variety of available sources and improvements in both in vitro and in vivo NK cell expansion, the NK cell immunotherapy platform has come into its own. The enormous effort continues to further optimize this platform, including ways to enhance NK cell persistence, trafficking to the tumor microenvironment, and cytotoxicity. As this effort bears fruit, it is translated into a plethora of clinical trials in patients with advanced malignancies. The adoptive transfer of NK cells, either as a standalone therapy or in combination with other immunotherapies, has been applied for the treatment of both liquid and solid tumors, with numerous early-phase trials showing promising results. This review aims to summarize the key advantages of NK cell immunotherapy, highlight several of the current approaches being taken for its optimization, and give an overview of the landscape of clinical trials translating this platform into clinic.
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15
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Yang Y, Cai Z, Huang K, Li M, Wang X, Lin Y, Chen S, Yang Z, Lin Z. A composite score based on immune-related gene prognostic index and m 6A risk score of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Genet 2023; 14:1061569. [PMID: 36845378 PMCID: PMC9948032 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1061569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Immunotherapy has been demonstrated favorable in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Studies indicated that immune-related gene prognostic index (IRGPI) was a robust signature, and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation had a significant impact on the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and immunotherapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Thus, combining indicated that immune-related gene prognostic index with m6A status should offer a better predictive power for immune responses. Methods: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma samples from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA, n = 498) and gene expression omnibus database (GSE65858, n = 270) were used in this study. Cox regression analysis was used to construct the indicated that immune-related gene prognostic index through immune-related hub genes which were identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The m6A risk score was constructed by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis. Principal component analysis was used to construct a composite score, and systematically correlate subgroups according to tumor immune microenvironment cell-infiltrating characteristics. Results: A composite score was determined based on indicated that immune-related gene prognostic index and m6A risk score. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients in the cancer genome atlas were divided into four subgroups: A (IRGPI-High&m6A-risk-High, n = 127), B (IRGPI-High&m6A-risk-Low, n = 99), C (IRGPI-Low&m6A-risk-High, n = 99), and D (IRGPI-Low&m6A-risk-Low, n = 128), and overall survival (OS) was significantly different between subgroups (p < 0.001). The characteristics of tumor immune microenvironment cell infiltration in the four subgroups were significantly different in subgroups (p < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves show the predictive value of composite score for overall survival was superior to other scores. Conclusion: The composite score is a promising prognostic signature which might distinguish immune and molecular characteristics, predict prognosis, and guide more effective immunotherapeutic strategies for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhou Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Research Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zeman Cai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Kaichun Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Mei Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Research Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yinbing Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Research Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Sijie Chen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Research Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhining Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Research Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhixiong Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Research Center of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
- *Correspondence: Zhixiong Lin,
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16
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Castellano LRC, Cruz SBSC, Hier M, Bonan PRF, Alaoui-Jamali MA, da Silva SD. Implications and Emerging Therapeutic Avenues of Inflammatory Response in HPV+ Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5406. [PMID: 36358823 PMCID: PMC9657300 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are a heterogeneous group of malignancies which have shown exponential incidence in the last two decades especially due to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The HPV family comprises more than 100 types of viruses with HPV16 and HPV18 being the most prevalent strains in HNSCC. Literature data reveal that the mutation profile as well as the response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy are distinct among HPV+ versus HPV-negative tumors. Furthermore, the presence of the virus induces activation of an immune response, in particular the recruitment of specific antiviral T lymphocytes to tumor sites. These T cells when activated produce soluble factors including cytokines and chemokines capable of modifying the local immune tumor microenvironment and impact on tumor response to the treatment. In this comprehensive review we investigated current knowledge on how the presence of an HPV can modify the inflammatory response systemically and within the tumor microenvironment's immunological responses, thereby impacting on disease prognosis and survival. We highlighted the research gaps and emerging approaches necessary to discover novel immunotherapeutic targets for HPV-associated HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lúcio Roberto Cançado Castellano
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and Lady Davis Institutes for Medical Research of the Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Human Immunology Research and Education Group, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Dentistry, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Sara Brito Silva Costa Cruz
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and Lady Davis Institutes for Medical Research of the Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
- Human Immunology Research and Education Group, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Dentistry, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Michael Hier
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and Lady Davis Institutes for Medical Research of the Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Paulo Rogério Ferreti Bonan
- Human Immunology Research and Education Group, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Dentistry, Federal University of Paraíba, João Pessoa 58051-900, PB, Brazil
| | - Moulay A. Alaoui-Jamali
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and Lady Davis Institutes for Medical Research of the Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Sabrina Daniela da Silva
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery and Lady Davis Institutes for Medical Research of the Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
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17
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Baysal H, Siozopoulou V, Zaryouh H, Hermans C, Lau HW, Lambrechts H, Fransen E, De Pauw I, Jacobs J, Peeters M, Pauwels P, Vermorken JB, Smits E, Lardon F, De Waele J, Wouters A. The prognostic impact of the immune signature in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1001161. [PMID: 36268020 PMCID: PMC9576890 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1001161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a heterogeneous group of tumors that retain their poor prognosis despite recent advances in their standard of care. As the involvement of the immune system against HNSCC development is well-recognized, characterization of the immune signature and the complex interplay between HNSCC and the immune system could lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets that are required now more than ever. In this study, we investigated RNA sequencing data of 530 HNSCC patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) for which the immune composition (CIBERSORT) was defined by the relative fractions of 10 immune-cell types and expression data of 45 immune checkpoint ligands were quantified. This initial investigation was followed by immunohistochemical (IHC) staining for a curated selection of immune cell types and checkpoint ligands markers in tissue samples of 50 advanced stage HNSCC patients. The outcome of both analyses was correlated with clinicopathological parameters and patient overall survival. Our results indicated that HNSCC tumors are in close contact with both cytotoxic and immunosuppressive immune cells. TCGA data showed prognostic relevance of dendritic cells, M2 macrophages and neutrophils, while IHC analysis associated T cells and natural killer cells with better/worse prognostic outcome. HNSCC tumors in our TCGA cohort showed differential RNA over- and underexpression of 28 immune inhibitory and activating checkpoint ligands compared to healthy tissue. Of these, CD73, CD276 and CD155 gene expression were negative prognostic factors, while CD40L, CEACAM1 and Gal-9 expression were associated with significantly better outcomes. Our IHC analyses confirmed the relevance of CD155 and CD276 protein expression, and in addition PD-L1 expression, as independent negative prognostic factors, while HLA-E overexpression was associated with better outcomes. Lastly, the co-presence of both (i) CD155 positive cells with intratumoral NK cells; and (ii) PD-L1 expression with regulatory T cell infiltration may hold prognostic value for these cohorts. Based on our data, we propose that CD155 and CD276 are promising novel targets for HNSCC, possibly in combination with the current standard of care or novel immunotherapies to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Baysal
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Hasan Baysal,
| | - Vasiliki Siozopoulou
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hannah Zaryouh
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Christophe Hermans
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ho Wa Lau
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hilde Lambrechts
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Ines De Pauw
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Julie Jacobs
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marc Peeters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Patrick Pauwels
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Pathology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jan Baptist Vermorken
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Evelien Smits
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Filip Lardon
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jorrit De Waele
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - An Wouters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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18
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Predicting the Immune Microenvironment and Prognosis with a NETosis-Related lncRNA Signature in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:3191474. [PMID: 36147630 PMCID: PMC9485711 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3191474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. The mechanistic aspects of the involvement of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in NETosis, the process of neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), lack comprehensive elucidation. The involvement of these molecules in the immune microenvironment and plausible HNSCC prognosis remain to see the light of the day. The plausible functioning of NETosis-related lncRNAs with their plausible prognostic impact in HNSCC was probed in this work. Methods. The scrutiny of lncRNAs linked to NETosis entailed the probing of twenty-four genes associated with the process employing Pearson’s correlation analysis on HNSCC patients’ RNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The application of univariate, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), and multivariate Cox regression analyses yielded a NETosis-related lncRNA signature that was subjected to probing for its suitability in prognosis employing survival and nomogram analyses. Results. The NETosis-related lncRNA signature inclusive of five lncRNAs facilitated patients to be segregated as high-risk and low-risk groups with the former documenting a poor prognosis. Regression unearthed that the risk score was an independent factor for prognosis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) or receiver operating characteristic curve analysis documented a one-year area under time-dependent ROC curve (AUC) value of 0.711 that is corroborative of the accuracy of this signature. Additional probing documented an evident enriching of immune-linked pathways in the low-risk patients, while the high-risk patients documented an immunologically “cold” profile as per the infiltration of immune cells. We verified lncRNA expression from our NETosis-related lncRNA signature in vitro, which reflects the reliability of our model to a certain extent. Moreover, we also verified the function of the lncRNA. We found that LINC00426 contributes to the innate immune cGAS-STING signaling pathway, which explain to some extent the role of our prognostic model in predicting “hot” and “cold” tumors. Conclusions. The plausible prognostic relevance of the NETosis-related lncRNA signature (with five lncRNAs) emerges that is suggestive of its promise in targeting HNSCC.
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Lee CC, You JF, Wang YC, Lan SW, Wei KC, Chen KT, Huang YC, Wu TWE, Huang APH. Gross Total Resection Promotes Subsequent Recovery and Further Enhancement of Impaired Natural Killer Cell Activity in Glioblastoma Patients. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12091144. [PMID: 36138881 PMCID: PMC9496976 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12091144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Highlights Natural killer cell activity is dramatically impaired in patients with glioblastoma. Surgical resection of glioblastoma promotes redistribution of NK cell subsets and increases NK cell activity 30 days after surgery. Gross total resection rather than subtotal resection significantly recovers and further increases the impaired NK cell activity in patients with glioblastoma.
Abstract Glioblastoma is the most common primary malignant brain tumor, and median survival is relatively short despite aggressive standard treatment. Natural killer (NK) cell dysfunction is strongly associated with tumor recurrence and metastasis but is unclear in glioblastoma. NK activity (NKA) represents NK cell-secreted interferon-γ (IFN-γ), which modulates immunity and inhibits cancer progression. This study aimed to analyze NKA in glioblastoma patients to obtain a clearer overview of immunity surveillance. From 2020 to 2021, a total of 20 patients and six healthy controls were recruited. Peripheral blood samples were collected preoperatively and on postoperative days (POD) 3 and 30. Then, NKA was measured using the NK VUE kit. Although NKA decreased on POD3, it recovered and further significantly enhanced on POD30, with a nearly five-fold increase compared to baseline (p = 0.004). Furthermore, the percentage of CD56brightCD16− NK cells decreased significantly on POD3 (p = 0.022) and further recovered on PO30. Subgroup analysis of extent surgical resection further revealed that the recovery of impaired NKA was attributable to gross total resection (GTR) rather than subtotal resection (STR). In conclusion, NKA is significantly impaired in glioblastoma, and GTR has demonstrated superior benefit in improving the suppressed NKA and increased CD56brightCD16− NK subset in glioblastoma patients, which may be associated with subsequent patients’ prognosis. Therefore, the goal of performing GTR for glioblastoma should be achieved when possible since it appears to increase NKA cell immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Chi Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan City 33305, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 33302, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Fu You
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan City 33305, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chi Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan City 33305, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 33302, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Wei Lan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan City 33305, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chen Wei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan City 33305, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 33302, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, New Taipei Municipal TuCheng Hospital, New Taipei City 236027, Taiwan
| | - Ko-Ting Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan City 33305, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 33302, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Cheng Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan City 33305, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan City 33302, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Wei Erich Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan City 33305, Taiwan
| | - Abel Po-Hao Huang
- Institute of Polymer Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 10663, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City 100229, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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20
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Yang Y, Lin Z, Cai Z, Huang K, Li M, Wang X, Lin Y, Chen S, Yang Z. A composite score based on immune-related gene prognostic index and m6A risk score of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-1987322/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBackground:Immunotherapy has been demonstrated favorable in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Studies indicated that immune-related gene prognostic index (IRGPI) was a robust signature, and N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation had a significant impact on the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and immunotherapy of HNSCC. Thus, combining IRGPI with m6A status should offer a better predictive power for immune responses.Methods:HNSCC samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA, n=498) and Gene Expression Omnibus database (GSE65858, n = 270) were used in this study. Cox regression analysis was used to construct the IRGPI through immune-related hub genes which were identified by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). The m6A risk score was constructed by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis. Principal component analysis was used to construct a composite score, and systematically correlate subgroups according to TIME cell-infiltrating characteristics.Results:A composite score was determined based on IRGPI and m6A risk score. HNSCC patients in the TCGA were divided into four subgroups:A (IRGPI-High&m6A-risk-High, n=127), B (IRGPI-High&m6A-risk-Low, n=99), C (IRGPI-Low&m6A-risk-High, n=99) and D (IRGPI-Low&m6A-risk-Low, n=128), and overall survival (OS) was significantly different between subgroups (P< 0.001). The characteristics of TIME cell infiltration in the four subgroups were significantly different in subgroups (P< 0.05). The ROC curves show the predictive value of composite score for OS was superior to any other scores.Conclusions:The composite score is a promising prognostic signature which might distinguish immune and molecular characteristics, predict prognosis, and guide more effective immunotherapeutic strategies for HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhou Yang
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou University, Shantou
| | - Zhixiong Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou University
| | - Zeman Cai
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou University
| | - Kaichun Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou University
| | - Mei Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou University
| | - Xiao Wang
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou University, Shantou
| | - Yinbing Lin
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou University, Shantou
| | - Sijie Chen
- Shantou University Medical College, Shantou University, Shantou
| | - Zhining Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou University
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21
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Immunotherapeutic Strategies for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC): Current Perspectives and Future Prospects. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10081272. [PMID: 36016159 PMCID: PMC9416402 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10081272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neoantigens are abnormal proteins produced by genetic mutations in somatic cells. Because tumour neoantigens are expressed only in tumour cells and have immunogenicity, they may represent specific targets for precision immunotherapy. With the reduction in sequencing cost, continuous advances in artificial intelligence technology and an increased understanding of tumour immunity, neoantigen vaccines and adoptive cell therapy (ACT) targeting neoantigens have become research hotspots. Approximately 900,000 patients worldwide are diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) each year. Due to its high mutagenicity and abundant lymphocyte infiltration, HNSCC naturally generates a variety of potential new antigen targets that may be used for HNSCC immunotherapies. Currently, the main immunotherapy for HNSCC is use of immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs). Neoantigen vaccines and adoptive cell therapy targeting neoantigens are extensions of immunotherapy for HNSCC, and a large number of early clinical trials are underway in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC). In this paper, we review recent neoantigen vaccine trials related to the treatment of HNSCC, introduce adoptive cell therapy targeting neoantigens, and propose a potential treatment for HNSCC. The clinical application of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy and its combination with neoantigen vaccines in the treatment of HNSCC are summarized, and the prospect of using neoantigen to treat HNSCC is discussed and proposed.
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22
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Judge SJ, Bloomstein JD, Sholevar CJ, Darrow MA, Stoffel KM, Vick LV, Dunai C, Cruz SM, Razmara AM, Monjazeb AM, Rebhun RB, Murphy WJ, Canter RJ. Transcriptome Analysis of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes Identifies NK Cell Gene Signatures Associated With Lymphocyte Infiltration and Survival in Soft Tissue Sarcomas. Front Immunol 2022; 13:893177. [PMID: 35874727 PMCID: PMC9300876 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.893177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Clinical successes using current T-cell based immunotherapies have been limited in soft tissue sarcomas (STS), while pre-clinical studies have shown evidence of natural killer (NK) cell activity. Since tumor immune infiltration, especially tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, is associated with improved survival in most solid tumors, we sought to evaluate the gene expression profile of tumor and blood NK and T cells, as well as tumor cells, with the goal of identifying potential novel immune targets in STS. Experimental Design Using fluorescence-activated cell sorting, we isolated blood and tumor-infiltrating CD3-CD56+ NK and CD3+ T cells and CD45- viable tumor cells from STS patients undergoing surgery. We then evaluated differential gene expression (DGE) of these purified populations with RNA sequencing analysis. To evaluate survival differences and validate primary DGE results, we also queried The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to compare outcomes stratified by bulk gene expression. Results Sorted intra-tumoral CD3+ T cells showed significant upregulation of established activating (CD137) and inhibitory genes (TIM-3) compared to circulating T cells. In contrast, intra-tumoral NK cells did not exhibit upregulation of canonical cytotoxic genes (IFNG, GZMB), but rather significant DGE in mitogen signaling (DUSP4) and metabolic function (SMPD3, SLC7A5). Tumors with higher NK and T cell infiltration exhibited significantly increased expression of the pro-inflammatory receptor TLR4 in sorted CD45- tumor cells. TCGA analysis revealed that tumors with high TLR4 expression (P = 0.03) and low expression of STMN1 involved in microtubule polymerization (P < 0.001) were associated with significantly improved survival. Conclusions Unlike T cells, which demonstrate significant DGE consistent with upregulation of both activating and inhibiting receptors in tumor-infiltrating subsets, NK cells appear to have more stable gene expression between blood and tumor subsets, with alterations restricted primarily to metabolic pathways. Increased immune cell infiltration and improved survival were positively correlated with TLR4 expression and inversely correlated with STMN1 expression within tumors, suggesting possible novel therapeutic targets for immunotherapy in STS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean J. Judge
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Joshua D. Bloomstein
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Cyrus J. Sholevar
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Morgan A. Darrow
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Kevin M. Stoffel
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Logan V. Vick
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Cordelia Dunai
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Sylvia M. Cruz
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Aryana M. Razmara
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Arta M. Monjazeb
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Robert B. Rebhun
- Center for Companion Animal Health, Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - William J. Murphy
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Robert J. Canter
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Robert J. Canter,
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23
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The Prognostic and Predictive Significance of Tumor-Infiltrating Memory T Cells Is Reversed in High-Risk HNSCC. Cells 2022; 11:cells11121960. [PMID: 35741089 PMCID: PMC9221945 DOI: 10.3390/cells11121960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating CD45RO+ memory T cells have unanimously been described as a positive prognostic factor in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). Here, we investigated the long-term prognostic relevance of CD45RO+ memory T cells in HNSCC with special regard to the influence of clinical characteristics. Pre-treatment biopsy samples from 306 patients with predominantly advanced HNSCC were analyzed. Immunohistochemistry was used to stain tissue microarrays for CD45RO+ memory T cells. CD45RO cell densities were semi-automatically registered and used for survival analysis. High CD45RO+ cell densities were clearly associated with prolonged overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival as well as no evidence of disease status after 10 years (p < 0.05). In contrast, the prognostic significance of tumor-infiltrating memory T cells was completely reversed in high-risk groups: in poorly differentiated tumors (G3, G4) and in cases with lymph node involvement (N+), high memory T cell densities correlated with reduced 10-year OS (p < 0.05). In conclusion, an increased density of tumor-infiltrating CD45RO+ cells in HNSCC can be a positive as well as a negative prognostic factor, depending on disease stage and histological grade. Therefore, if CD45RO+ cell density is to be used as a prognostic biomarker, further clinical characteristics must be considered.
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Rad HS, Shiravand Y, Radfar P, Ladwa R, Perry C, Han X, Warkiani ME, Adams MN, Hughes BG, O'Byrne K, Kulasinghe A. Understanding the tumor microenvironment in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Clin Transl Immunology 2022; 11:e1397. [PMID: 35686027 PMCID: PMC9170522 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) represents a heterogeneous group of tumors. While significant progress has been made using multimodal treatment, the 5‐year survival remains at 50%. Developing effective therapies, such as immunotherapy, will likely lead to better treatment of primary and metastatic disease. However, not all HNSCC tumors respond to immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Understanding the complex cellular composition and interactions of the tumor microenvironment is likely to lead to new knowledge for effective therapies and treatment resistance. In this review, we discuss HNSCC characteristics, predictive biomarkers, factors influencing immunotherapy response, with a focus on the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Habib Sadeghi Rad
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute the University of Queensland Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Yavar Shiravand
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology University of Naples Federico II Naples Italy
| | - Payar Radfar
- School of Biomedical Engineering University of Technology Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Rahul Ladwa
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute the University of Queensland Brisbane QLD Australia.,Princess Alexandra Hospital Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Chris Perry
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute the University of Queensland Brisbane QLD Australia.,Princess Alexandra Hospital Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Xiaoyuan Han
- Department of Biomedical Science University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry Stockton CA USA
| | - Majid Ebrahimi Warkiani
- School of Biomedical Engineering University of Technology Sydney Sydney NSW Australia.,Institute of Molecular Medicine Sechenov First Moscow State University Moscow Russia
| | - Mark N Adams
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health School of Biomedical Sciences Queensland University of Technology Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Brett Gm Hughes
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute the University of Queensland Brisbane QLD Australia.,Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Ken O'Byrne
- Princess Alexandra Hospital Brisbane QLD Australia.,Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health School of Biomedical Sciences Queensland University of Technology Brisbane QLD Australia
| | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute the University of Queensland Brisbane QLD Australia
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Temporal Bone Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Molecular Markers Involved in Carcinogenesis, Behavior, and Prognosis: A Systematic Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094536. [PMID: 35562926 PMCID: PMC9100168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Temporal bone squamous cell carcinoma (TBSCC) is an uncommon malignancy with a poor prognosis in advanced cases. The dismal outcome of advanced TBSSC cases is largely due to the cancer’s local aggressiveness and the complex anatomy of this region, as well as to persistent pitfalls in diagnosis and treatment. Molecular changes occur in malignancies before any morphological changes become visible, and are responsible for the disease’s clinical behavior. The main purpose of this critical systematic review is to assess the level of knowledge on the molecular markers involved in the biology, behavior, and prognosis of TBSCC. A search (updated to March 2022) was run in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases without publication date limits for studies investigating molecular markers in cohorts of patients with primary TBSCC. The search terms used were: “temporal bone” OR “external auditory canal” OR “ear”, AND “cancer” OR “carcinoma” OR “malignancy”. We preliminarily decided not to consider series with less than five cases. Twenty-four case series of TBSCC were found in which different analytical techniques had been used to study the role of several biomarkers. In conclusion, only very limited information on the prognostic role of molecular markers in TBSCC are currently available; prospective, multi-institutional, international prognostic studies should be planned to identify the molecular markers involved in the clinical behavior and prognosis of TBSCC. A further, more ambitious goal would be to find targets for therapeutic agents able to improve disease-specific survival in patients with advanced TBSCC.
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26
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Starska-Kowarska K. Dietary Carotenoids in Head and Neck Cancer-Molecular and Clinical Implications. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14030531. [PMID: 35276890 PMCID: PMC8838110 DOI: 10.3390/nu14030531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is one of the most common cancers in the world according to GLOBCAN. In 2018, it was reported that HNC accounts for approximately 3% of all human cancers (51,540 new cases) and is the cause of nearly 1.5% of all cancer deaths (10,030 deaths). Despite great advances in treatment, HNC is indicated as a leading cause of death worldwide. In addition to having a positive impact on general health, a diet rich in carotenoids can regulate stages in the course of carcinogenesis; indeed, strong epidemiological associations exist between dietary carotenoids and HNS, and it is presumed that diets with carotenoids can even reduce cancer risk. They have also been proposed as potential chemotherapeutic agents and substances used in chemoprevention of HNC. The present review discusses the links between dietary carotenoids and HNC. It examines the prospective anticancer effect of dietary carotenoids against intracellular cell signalling and mechanisms, oxidative stress regulation, as well as their impact on apoptosis, cell cycle progression, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and chemoprevention; it also provides an overview of the limited preclinical and clinical research published in this arena. Recent epidemiological, key opinion-forming systematic reviews, cross-sectional, longitudinal, prospective, and interventional studies based on in vitro and animal models of HNC also indicate that high carotenoid content obtained from daily supplementation has positive effects on the initiation, promotion, and progression of HNC. This article presents these results according to their increasing clinical credibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Starska-Kowarska
- Department of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland; ; Tel.: +48-604-541-412
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, EnelMed Center Expert, Lodz, Drewnowska 58, 91-001 Lodz, Poland
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Clara JA, Childs RW. Harnessing natural killer cells for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Semin Oncol 2022; 49:69-85. [DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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28
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den bossche VV, Zaryouh H, Vara-Messler M, Vignau J, Machiels JP, Wouters A, Schmitz S, Corbet C. Microenvironment-driven intratumoral heterogeneity in head and neck cancers: clinical challenges and opportunities for precision medicine. Drug Resist Updat 2022; 60:100806. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2022.100806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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29
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Brauneck F, Seubert E, Wellbrock J, Schulze zur Wiesch J, Duan Y, Magnus T, Bokemeyer C, Koch-Nolte F, Menzel S, Fiedler W. Combined Blockade of TIGIT and CD39 or A2AR Enhances NK-92 Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity in AML. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312919. [PMID: 34884723 PMCID: PMC8657570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to characterize different natural killer (NK) cell phenotypes on bone marrow and peripheral blood cells from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and healthy donors (HDs). Our data show that CD56dimCD16− and CD56brightCD16− NK cells represent the predominant NK cell subpopulations in AML, while the CD56dimCD16+ NK cells are significantly reduced compared to HDs. Moreover, TIGIT+ and PVRIG+ cells cluster on the CD56dimCD16+ subset whereas CD39+ and CD38+ cells do so on CD56brightCD16− NK cells in AML. Furthermore, functional effects of (co-)blockade of TIGIT and CD39 or A2AR on NK cell functionality were analyzed. These experiments revealed that the single blockade of the TIGIT receptor results in an increased NK-92 cell-mediated killing of AML cells in vitro. Combined targeting of CD39 or A2AR significantly augments the anti-TIGIT-mediated lysis of AML cells. Our data indicate that distinct NK cell subsets in AML exhibit different immunosuppressive patterns (via the TIGIT/PVRIG receptors and the purinergic pathway). In summary, we conclude that TIGIT, CD39, and A2AR constitute relevant inhibitory checkpoints of NK cells in AML patients. A combinatorial blockade synergistically strengthens NK-92 cell-mediated cytotoxicity. As inhibitors of TIGIT, CD39, and A2AR are clinically available, studies on their combined use could be conducted in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Brauneck
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (F.B.); (E.S.); (J.W.); (C.B.)
- Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center HaTriCS4, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Elisa Seubert
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (F.B.); (E.S.); (J.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Jasmin Wellbrock
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (F.B.); (E.S.); (J.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Julian Schulze zur Wiesch
- Infectious Diseases Unit, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Yinghui Duan
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (Y.D.); (T.M.)
| | - Tim Magnus
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (Y.D.); (T.M.)
| | - Carsten Bokemeyer
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (F.B.); (E.S.); (J.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Friedrich Koch-Nolte
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Stephan Menzel
- Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center HaTriCS4, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Walter Fiedler
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (F.B.); (E.S.); (J.W.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Meng X, Gao JZ, Gomendoza SMT, Li JW, Yang S. Recent Advances of WEE1 Inhibitors and Statins in Cancers With p53 Mutations. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:737951. [PMID: 34671620 PMCID: PMC8520942 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.737951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
p53 is among the most frequently mutated tumor suppressor genes given its prevalence in >50% of all human cancers. One critical tumor suppression function of p53 is to regulate transcription of downstream genes and maintain genomic stability by inducing the G1/S checkpoint in response to DNA damage. Tumor cells lacking functional p53 are defective in the G1/S checkpoint and become highly dependent on the G2/M checkpoint to maintain genomic stability and are consequently vulnerable to Wee1 inhibitors, which override the cell cycle G2/M checkpoint and induce cell death through mitotic catastrophe. In addition to the lost tumor suppression function, many mutated p53 (Mutp53) proteins acquire gain-of-function (GOF) activities as oncogenes to promote cancer progression, which manifest through aberrant expression of p53. In cancer cells with GOF Mutp53, statins can induce CHIP-mediated degradation of Mutp53 within the mevalonate pathway by blocking the interaction between mutp53 and DNAJA1. Therefore, targeting critical downstream pathways of Mutp53 provides an alternative strategy for treating cancers expressing Mutp53. In this review, we summarize recent advances with Wee1 inhibitors, statins, and mevalonate pathway inhibitors in cancers with p53 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangbing Meng
- Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Jason Z Gao
- Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | | | - John W Li
- Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.,Department of Human and Evolutionary Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Shujie Yang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States.,Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
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Gruijs M, Ganzevles SH, Stigter-van Walsum M, van der Mast R, van Ostaijen-ten Dam MM, Tuk CW, Schilham MW, Leemans CR, Brakenhoff RH, van Egmond M, van de Ven R, Bakema JE. NK Cell-Dependent Antibody-Mediated Immunotherapy Is Improved In Vitro and In Vivo When Combined with Agonists for Toll-like Receptor 2 in Head and Neck Cancer Models. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11057. [PMID: 34681717 PMCID: PMC8541276 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunosuppressive character of head and neck cancers may explain the relatively low response rates to antibody therapy targeting a tumor antigen, such as cetuximab, and anti-PD-1 checkpoint inhibition. Immunostimulatory agents that overcome tumor-derived inhibitory signals could augment therapeutic efficacy, thereby enhancing tumor elimination and improving patient survival. Here, we demonstrate that cetuximab treatment combined with immunostimulatory agonists for Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2 induces profound immune responses. Natural killer (NK) cells, isolated from healthy individuals or patients with head and neck cancer, harbored enhanced cytotoxic capacity and increased tumor-killing potential in vitro. Additionally, combination treatment increased the release of several pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines by NK cells. Tumor-bearing mice that received cetuximab and the TLR2 ligand Pam3CSK4 showed increased infiltration of immune cells into the tumors compared to mice that received cetuximab monotherapy, resulting in a significant delay in tumor growth or even complete tumor regression. Moreover, combination treatment resulted in improved overall survival in vivo. In conclusion, combining tumor-targeting antibody-based immunotherapy with TLR stimulation represents a promising treatment strategy to improve the clinical outcomes of cancer patients. This treatment could well be applied together with other therapeutic strategies such as anti-PD-(L)1 checkpoint inhibition to further overcome immunosuppression.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cetuximab/pharmacology
- Cetuximab/therapeutic use
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Drug Therapy, Combination
- Female
- Head and Neck Neoplasms/therapy
- Humans
- Immunotherapy
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/cytology
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/drug effects
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/metabolism
- Lipopeptides/pharmacology
- Lipopeptides/therapeutic use
- Mice
- Mice, Nude
- Receptors, IgG/agonists
- Receptors, IgG/metabolism
- Toll-Like Receptor 2/agonists
- Toll-Like Receptor 2/metabolism
- Transplantation, Heterologous
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Gruijs
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam—Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.G.); (R.v.d.M.); (C.W.T.); (M.v.E.)
| | - Sonja H. Ganzevles
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam—Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (S.H.G.); (M.S.-v.W.); (C.R.L.); (R.H.B.); (J.E.B.)
| | - Marijke Stigter-van Walsum
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam—Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (S.H.G.); (M.S.-v.W.); (C.R.L.); (R.H.B.); (J.E.B.)
| | - Richard van der Mast
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam—Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.G.); (R.v.d.M.); (C.W.T.); (M.v.E.)
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam—Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (S.H.G.); (M.S.-v.W.); (C.R.L.); (R.H.B.); (J.E.B.)
| | - Monique M. van Ostaijen-ten Dam
- Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.M.v.O.-t.D.); (M.W.S.)
| | - Cornelis W. Tuk
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam—Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.G.); (R.v.d.M.); (C.W.T.); (M.v.E.)
| | - Marco W. Schilham
- Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.M.v.O.-t.D.); (M.W.S.)
| | - C. René Leemans
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam—Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (S.H.G.); (M.S.-v.W.); (C.R.L.); (R.H.B.); (J.E.B.)
| | - Ruud H. Brakenhoff
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam—Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (S.H.G.); (M.S.-v.W.); (C.R.L.); (R.H.B.); (J.E.B.)
| | - Marjolein van Egmond
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam—Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (M.G.); (R.v.d.M.); (C.W.T.); (M.v.E.)
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rieneke van de Ven
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam—Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (S.H.G.); (M.S.-v.W.); (C.R.L.); (R.H.B.); (J.E.B.)
| | - Jantine E. Bakema
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Cancer Center Amsterdam—Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (S.H.G.); (M.S.-v.W.); (C.R.L.); (R.H.B.); (J.E.B.)
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Caccialanza R, Cereda E, Klersy C, Nardi M, Masi S, Crotti S, Cappello S, Caissutti V, Brovia C, Lobascio F, Formisano E, Colombo S, Filippi AR, Bonzano E, Comoli P, Catenacci L, Alberti A, Musella V, Ferrari A, Imarisio I, Tancredi R, Monaco T, Ghi MG, Bossi P, Pedrazzoli P. The efficacy of immunonutrition in improving tolerance to chemoradiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer, receiving nutritional counseling: study protocol of a randomized, open-label, parallel group, bicentric pilot study. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2021; 13:17588359211025872. [PMID: 34527079 PMCID: PMC8436314 DOI: 10.1177/17588359211025872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Nutritional support, including nutritional counseling and oral nutritional supplements (ONSs), has been recommended at the earliest opportunity in head and neck (H&N) cancer patients. The limited available evidence on the efficacy of immunonutrition during chemoradiotherapy (CT-RT) in H&N cancer patients is positive with regard to some secondary endpoints, but is still scanty, particularly with regard to toxicity and treatment tolerance. We hypothesize that early systematic provision of ONSs with a high-protein–high-calorie mixture containing immunonutrients (Impact) compared to standard high-calorie–high-protein nutritional blends, in addition to nutritional counseling, may be beneficial to patients with H&N cancer during CT-RT. Hence, we designed the present study to evaluate the efficacy, in terms of treatment tolerance, toxicity and response, body weight, body composition, protein-calorie intake, quality of life (QoL), fatigue, muscle strength and immunological profile of the early systematic provision of ONSs enriched in immunonutrients compared to isonitrogenous standard blends, in H&N cancer patients undergoing CT-RT. Methods: This is a pragmatic, bicentric, randomized (1:1), parallel-group, open label, controlled, pilot clinical trial. Discussion: Many efforts are still to be taken to improve the efficacy of nutritional support in oncology. Immunonutrition represents a promising approach also in H&N cancer patients, but the evidence on its efficacy in improving clinical outcomes during CT-RT is still inconclusive. The present pilot study, which guarantees the early provision of nutritional assessment and support to all the enrolled patients in accordance with the recent guidelines and recommendations, could represent one of the first proofs of the clinical effectiveness of early oral immunonutrition in cancer patients undergoing CT-RT and could stimulate further large randomized trials, potentially resulting in the improvement of supportive care quality. Trial registration: This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04611113.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Caccialanza
- Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Viale Golgi 19, Pavia, 27100, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cereda
- Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Catherine Klersy
- Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology Service, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Nardi
- Clinical Nutrition Service, Veneto Institute of Oncology-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Sara Masi
- Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Crotti
- Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Cappello
- Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Valentina Caissutti
- Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Carlotta Brovia
- Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Lobascio
- Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elena Formisano
- Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sara Colombo
- Radiation Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo and University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Riccardo Filippi
- Radiation Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo and University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bonzano
- Radiation Oncology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo and University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Patrizia Comoli
- Cell Factory and Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura Catenacci
- Cell Factory and Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Alberti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Valeria Musella
- Biometry and Clinical Epidemiology Service, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ferrari
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ilaria Imarisio
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Richard Tancredi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Teresa Monaco
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Bossi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
| | - Paolo Pedrazzoli
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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Intraepithelial ILC1-like cells: Front-line fighters in human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2110875118. [PMID: 34376560 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2110875118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
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34
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Angiogenic Properties of NK Cells in Cancer and Other Angiogenesis-Dependent Diseases. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071621. [PMID: 34209508 PMCID: PMC8303392 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of many serious diseases, including cancer, is closely related to disturbances in the angiogenesis process. Angiogenesis is essential for the progression of tumor growth and metastasis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has immunosuppressive properties, which contribute to tumor expansion and angiogenesis. Similarly, the uterine microenvironment (UME) exerts a tolerogenic (immunosuppressive) and proangiogenic effect on its cells, promoting implantation and development of the embryo and placenta. In the TME and UME natural killer (NK) cells, which otherwise are capable of killing target cells autonomously, enter a state of reduced cytotoxicity or anergy. Both TME and UME are rich with factors (e.g., TGF-β, glycodelin, hypoxia), which support a conversion of NK cells to the low/non-cytotoxic, proangiogenic CD56brightCD16low phenotype. It is plausible that the phenomenon of acquiring proangiogenic and low cytotoxic features by NK cells is not only limited to cancer but is a common feature of different angiogenesis-dependent diseases (ADDs). In this review, we will discuss the role of NK cells in angiogenesis disturbances associated with cancer and other selected ADDs. Expanding the knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for angiogenesis and its disorders contributes to a better understanding of ADDs and may have therapeutic implications.
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Sportoletti P, De Falco F, Del Papa B, Baldoni S, Guarente V, Marra A, Dorillo E, Rompietti C, Adamo FM, Ruggeri L, Di Ianni M, Rosati E. NK Cells in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Their Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136665. [PMID: 34206399 PMCID: PMC8268440 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Key features of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are defects in the immune system and the ability of leukemic cells to evade immune defenses and induce immunosuppression, resulting in increased susceptibility to infections and disease progression. Several immune effectors are impaired in CLL, including T and natural killer (NK) cells. The role of T cells in defense against CLL and in CLL progression and immunotherapy has been extensively studied. Less is known about the role of NK cells in this leukemia, and data on NK cell alterations in CLL are contrasting. Besides studies showing that NK cells have intrinsic defects in CLL, there is a large body of evidence indicating that NK cell dysfunctions in CLL mainly depend on the escape mechanisms employed by leukemic cells. In keeping, it has been shown that NK cell functions, including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), can be retained and/or restored after adequate stimulation. Therefore, due to their preserved ADCC function and the reversibility of CLL-related dysfunctions, NK cells are an attractive source for novel immunotherapeutic strategies in this disease, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy. Recently, satisfying clinical responses have been obtained in CLL patients using cord blood-derived CAR-NK cells, opening new possibilities for further exploring NK cells in the immunotherapy of CLL. However, notwithstanding the promising results of this clinical trial, more evidence is needed to fully understand whether and in which CLL cases NK cell-based immunotherapy may represent a valid, alternative/additional therapeutic option for this leukemia. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge about phenotypic and functional alterations of NK cells in CLL and the mechanisms by which CLL cells circumvent NK cell-mediated immunosurveillance. Additionally, we discuss the potential relevance of using NK cells in CLL immunotherapy.
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MESH Headings
- Biomarkers
- Cell Communication
- Disease Management
- Disease Susceptibility
- Humans
- Immune System/immunology
- Immune System/metabolism
- Immunotherapy/adverse effects
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/etiology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/therapy
- Ligands
- Protein Binding
- Receptors, Natural Killer Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Natural Killer Cell/metabolism
- Treatment Outcome
- Tumor Escape/genetics
- Tumor Escape/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Sportoletti
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Filomena De Falco
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Beatrice Del Papa
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Stefano Baldoni
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
- Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Valerio Guarente
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Andrea Marra
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Erica Dorillo
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Chiara Rompietti
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Francesco Maria Adamo
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Loredana Ruggeri
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Mauro Di Ianni
- Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Ospedale Civile “Santo Spirito”, ASL Pescara, 65124 Pescara, Italy
| | - Emanuela Rosati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Liu YQ, Zou HY, Xie JJ, Fang WK. Paradoxical Roles of Desmosomal Components in Head and Neck Cancer. Biomolecules 2021; 11:914. [PMID: 34203070 PMCID: PMC8234459 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Desmosomes are intercellular adhesion complexes involved in various aspects of epithelial pathophysiology, including tissue homeostasis, morphogenesis, and disease development. Recent studies have reported that the abnormal expression of various desmosomal components correlates with tumor progression and poor survival. In addition, desmosomes have been shown to act as a signaling platform to regulate the proliferation, invasion, migration, morphogenesis, and apoptosis of cancer cells. The occurrence and progression of head and neck cancer (HNC) is accompanied by abnormal expression of desmosomal components and loss of desmosome structure. However, the role of desmosomal components in the progression of HNC remains controversial. This review aims to provide an overview of recent developments showing the paradoxical roles of desmosomal components in tumor suppression and promotion. It offers valuable insights for HNC diagnosis and therapeutics development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin-Qiao Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (Y.-Q.L.); (H.-Y.Z.)
| | - Hai-Ying Zou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (Y.-Q.L.); (H.-Y.Z.)
| | - Jian-Jun Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (Y.-Q.L.); (H.-Y.Z.)
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Wang-Kai Fang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (Y.-Q.L.); (H.-Y.Z.)
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
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Dos Santos ES, Wagner VP, Cabral Ramos J, Lambert DW, Castilho RM, Paes Leme AF. Epigenetic modulation of the tumor microenvironment in head and neck cancer: Challenges and opportunities. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 164:103397. [PMID: 34146679 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer is globally challenging due to the resistance to therapy and aggressive behavior leading to high rates of mortality. Recent findings show that the tumor microenvironment plays a role in the maintenance and progression of many solid tumors, including head and neck cancer. The mechanisms involved in the modulation and regulation of the tumor microenvironment remain poorly understood. Increasing evidence suggests that epigenetic events can modulate the crosstalk between neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells during tumor progression. In this review, we explore the current understanding of the involvement of epigenetic events in the modulation of the tumor microenvironment and its impact on head and neck cancer behavior. We also explore the latest therapeutic strategies that use epigenetic-modulating drugs to manage tumor growth and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vivian Petersen Wagner
- The University of Sheffield Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health, 152607, Sheffield, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Joab Cabral Ramos
- Department of Oral Diagnosis, Piracicaba Dental School, University of Campinas, Piracicaba, Brazil
| | - Daniel W Lambert
- The University of Sheffield Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health, 152607, Sheffield, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
| | - Rogerio Moraes Castilho
- Laboratory of Epithelial Biology, Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, Division of Oral Pathology, Radiology and Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry. Ann Arbor, 48109-1078, MI, USA; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 48109, MI, USA
| | - Adriana Franco Paes Leme
- The Brazilian Bioscience National Laboratory, Center for Research in Energy and Materials, Campinas, Brazil
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